Today's Special Guest is Shiela Stewart

1).  Tell us your latest news?

After waiting months and several publishers later I am happy to announce the release of the seventh book in my Darkness Series, Consuming the Darkness. I’ve had a rough 10 months with the publisher I was with selling to another publisher who then cancelled the line. I then took my books to another publisher who turned out to be nothing of what they claimed and so once again I was on the search for a place for my books. I was lucky to find Breathless Press and they were kind enough to take on all of my books. J Consuming the Darkness was supposed to be released in early spring but with all the transfers and sell outs it sat in my folders patiently waiting for its debut.

2).  When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve been writing all my life. As a child I would make up stories for friends and family and then as I grew, I began to write in note books, releasing all the tales that cluttered my brain. I often used writing as a release from stress, upset, and a means of escape.

3).  What books have most influenced your life most?

There aren’t any particular books that have influenced me but more so authors. In my teens and early adulthood I read a lot of V.C. Andrews books. I would say that was the start to my love of romance. I also read Stephen King books and the inner suspense writer in me immerged. But it was the style of Nora Roberts writing that spurred me to look into becoming a published author.

4).  What are your current projects?

I have two on the go right now. I’m working on a book that is the beginning of a series. The demon series was written several years ago but wasn't publish quality. I’ve been rewriting it and I’m hoping to submit it to publishers this winter. The series is a look into three generations of demons with the patriarch being related to Satan himself.  Awaken the Demon is about a young woman, running from an abusive relationship and into the arms of a demon. Little does she know, she too is a demon and Satan wants her soul.

5).  Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

I hate research. LOL If I didn’t have to ever research anything I would be a happy woman. But that’s not possible so I plug through it.

6). Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

As I stated above, Nora Roberts was the one that encouraged me to seek publication for my own work. I love everything she has ever written especially her pseudonym, J.D. Robb’s In Death Series. I love the way she describes the scenes she writes. It makes me feel as if I was actually there. She has a way with writing that draws the reader in, makes them feel a part of her books. Her characters are real, have real quirks, problems and it’s that that allows the reader to connect with them.

7).  When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always told stories. It was second nature to me. But it wasn't until 2005 when my hubby encouraged me to look into publishing houses did I consider it. Well…actually, he pushed me into it. LOL He contacted a local publisher and asked how I would go about getting published. They sent me a booklet with information and publishing houses that focused on Romance. The instant I received that book, I knew I wanted my stories published and read.

8).  How long does it take you to write a book?

I have been known to pump out a book in three weeks. When inspiration hits, I’m helpless to my muse. With my previous publisher I was releasing a novel every two months so I had to write fast. LOL

9).  What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

I tend to write when inspiration strikes. If that’s during the day, I’ll sit in my office for hours working. Often though, the inspiration strikes at night when the house is quiet and the darkness calls me to create.

10).  Do you have any strange handwriting habits, like capitalizing all your “r”s or dotting your “I”s with heart (or anything like that)?
Well, you really had me thinking about this one. LOL I used to, when I was a teen, replace the ‘o’s in my words with smiley faces. But now, as an adult, I spend most of my time on the computer and not writing as much freehand that I’m afraid my handwriting has become rather messy.
11).  What do you want to know about the future?
Nothing. I like the element of surprise. Besides, I’m too paranoid to look into the future. If I saw anything bad, I would probably obsess about it and then what fun would my life be if I did that. I like to live for the now and hope my future is sunny. J
12).  Are you a morning person or a night person?
I would say I’m both, if that’s possible. LOL I find I do my best writing at night, but I rarely can stay up late anymore. Aging is hell. LOL I’m good from 9 am to about midnight.
13).  Do you like thunderstorms?
I hate them with a passion! I have always been afraid of them. As a child I lived on a farm. Once summer night we had a nasty storm with winds strong enough to shake the house. Could have been a tornado, I’m not sure, but I remember being so terrified our house would be picked up and blown into the sun and we would all burn to death. I was eight, what do you expect. Since then, I’ve had a strong fear of storms.
14).  What is the best way for readers to contact you?  Email, myspace, twitter, etc?
I’m  practically everywhere. The easiest way for readers to contact me is by email at shielas@shaw.ca
They can also stop by my wesbite for information on me and my books at www.shielasbooks.ca
My twitter address is : http://twitter.com/ShielaSue
facebook : http://www.facebook.com/shiela.stewart?ref=profile
15).  Anything you would like to add?
I would like to say thank you for this wonderful interview and the opportunity to meet new readers.

Angela Addams' New Book is Being Released Today!

1) First, could you start by telling us what you are currently working on for publication and/or about your current release?

My current release is entitled The Temptress and it is due to release on October 23 at Cobblestone Press.

The Temptress is a short story about a young college student named Kyle Roberts who finds himself deeply in lust with his English Literature professor. He can’t control his raging fantasies and obsesses over her to the extreme. She is constantly in his head, tormenting him with her seductive body. But is he really the one in control? Strange things start to happen, fantasies seeming to turn into reality and Kyle begins to wonder if his prof has a few secrets of her own.

She seems to know what he is thinking, desiring, and after a night of intense erotic fulfillment, leaves him more confused than before. Are his fantasies coming true or does his professor have the ability to control his mind? Kyle suddenly finds himself on a journey into a realm that he thought was only make-believe, the realm of a vampire temptress.  

2) Tell us about your writing process.  Do you outline or just start writing?

My writing process is not as well organized as I think it should be. I have great intentions to plot things out in detail but I get bored of that pretty quickly and just move on to the writing part. Usually, I get an idea and play it out in my head for a few days. Once I have a basic plot figured out I whip out my laptop and write it all down. For the most part it starts with a scene and goes from there. Sometimes this scene is the beginning and sometimes it’s something that happens somewhere else in the piece. I don’t usually write in sequence. I like the freedom to write the scenes that are urgently demanding escape from my brain. It keeps my fingers typing anyway. I’ve never suffered from writer’s block. (Is there a piece of wood around? I feel like I should knock on wood right about now.)

For a short story like The Temptress, I write the first draft over a few nights, two or three hours a night and then set it aside for a few days before starting my second draft. With my novels (I’ve written three) I write a basic outline of plot, where I want to start, climax, some key plot points, and where I want to finish and then I start writing. As I’m writing, I add to my plot notes along the way. Things usually change as I’m going through. I figure out that something isn’t going to work, or I have a brilliant idea that I want to add, so my outline is never set in stone.

3) What genre is your favorite to write?  Read? 

I like to write and read Paranormal anything…but I prefer if there are some hot erotic scenes worked in. Actually, it’s kind of embarrassing, but I find novels a little boring these days if they don’t have some passionate erotic scenes worked in.

4) Favorite authors?

My favorite authors are Kelley Armstrong, D.B. Reynolds, Kresley Cole, and Gena Showalter. Their heroines are super strong and can always take care of themselves, which I think is a great thing in paranormal literature. I also love the hot and steamy sex scenes that these women are so skilled at writing. They are all very talented at what they do.

5) Is there a genre you haven't written, but would love to tackle in the future?

6) What's planned next for your writing career?

I have just recently signed with an agent and am currently working on edits for my first paranormal, urban fantasy. So we should be submitting to publishers soon. I have four or five ideas rolling around in my head at the moment for novels, some work directly off of the novels my agent has and some are totally new series ideas that I have planned.

7) Do you work well with deadlines?  Or do they stall your writing process?

I work extremely well with deadlines. I am very type A ; ) Actually, I prefer it because I’m not a procrastinator and work well if I know that there is a deadline at a certain time that I have to work towards. That way there is no excuse for slacking off, which at times I am tempted to do. I set weekly quotas for myself, that way I have a goal to reach every week. When I am off on holiday, I write 10K a week and when I’m working full time, (yes, I do have a day job) I scale that back to 5k a week.

8) When did you first start writing?

I first starting writing as a child…no seriously, I wrote my first collection of short stories, with pictures, at the age of six. I still have it actually. I don’t know where my need to write came from really. I always liked reading but I can’t explain how that turned into a passion for writing. My teachers picked up on it right away and always encouraged me. I had a great high school teacher who inspired me to pursue writing seriously…and then I went to university and, well, my writing took a backseat to everything else. I got some really nasty feedback that crushed my confidence and I put down my pen for almost five years. But that nagging urge to write, thankfully, never really left me and I picked up the pen again after I graduated and started thinking about bigger projects. It took me four years to write my first novel. It’s not the greatest but I did get some recognition for it in a contest and received some very positive and encouraging reviews. So, I tried again and again and again and here I am.

9) What influenced you to submit your work for publication?

I have a deep desire to become an author and write for a living. That desire motivates me more than anything else ever could. I want it, so I work for it. It hasn’t been easy and I know that I have a battle ahead of me, but I’m making progress and I will not give up.

10) Do you belong to a critique group?  If so, how has this helped your writing, would you recommend it to others?  If not, would you consider joining, if not, why do you like to work alone?

11) What is the best way for readers to contact you?

Readers can visit my website at angelaaddams.com

I tweet as angelaaddams and I also have a blog at http://www.blog.angelaaddams.com/

They can also contact me at angelaaddams@live.ca with any questions or comments. I’d be extremely happy to hear from any reader.

12) Any advice you want to give aspiring writers?

Yes, I do have advice…do not give up. Things seemed to happen for me all at once. I got a contract with Cobblestone Press and an offer from an agent after a little over a year of trying. I could have given up many, many times what with the amount of rejections I received, but I didn’t; I kept submitting. If you give up, you make room for someone else to take your place; do you really want that other person getting your shot at doing what you love and getting paid for it? Probably not. So shove the rejections aside and keep submitting, keep writing, because you’re the only one who this matters the most to.

Thanks, Angela, that's very encouraging to all of us who are hoping to be writers one day!

Please help us welcome Renee Lyons, author and Publisher of Lyrical Press

1).  Tell us your latest news?

Well, a lot of interesting things have happened since I finished Tempting Darkness, the third Templar Vampire book. My husband, Frank and I decided to open Lyrical Press, a commercial fiction publishing house. It was a huge decision and requires an extreme amount of work, but it’s so worth it. The moment we launched I knew it was right move on our part. I heard my mother in my head telling me “you are exactly where you need to be, doing exactly what you need to be doing”.

I am also working on the final installment of the Templar Vampire series. It’s titled Blood Covenant. It’s Tristan’s story. Once people realize it’s the last book they ask about Raphael and why he isn’t getting his own story. All I can say about that is, you’ll have to read Blood Covenant to learn why!

2).  When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve been writing since I was roughly ten years old. It’s a compulsion. Although I love (and I mean *love*) Lyrical, there is always that part of me who was, and still is, a writer. Just when I think my creative well is dry, a new scene “pops” into my mind and forces me to write.

3).  What books have most influenced your life most?

Just one book always jumps out at me when I think of which one influenced me most. Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet. What a book! It’s so vivid I swear while reading, you forget your not actually in the medieval age. You get lost in the pages of that book.

4).  What are your current projects?

Other than Blood Covenant, I am also (very slowly) working on another book. It’s untitled as of yet. It plays on the angel/demon mythology is a way I feel is pretty original. But then. most of my writing centers around religion in one shape or form. I guess that’s my way of trying to make sense of things in my own mind.

5).  Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

I guess now would be finding the time to write since the majority of my days are spent running Lyrical Press. That, and trying to put unique spins on tried and true genres because what I write (vampire and demons) have been done zillions of times over.

6). Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Sherrilyn Kenyon is right up there as one of my favorite authors. She creates these amazing worlds with such rich characters. She makes you want to visit her world again and again.

Hannah Howell is another author who takes hold of you and doesn’t let you go. I just love her to pieces. Three words about Mrs. Howell’s books…medieval Scotland and vampires. Really now. Does any book need more than that other than being in the hands of a writer who can do that sort of story justice? Luckily for readers, Mrs. Howell is an awesome writer. She also happens to be a fantastic person. I met her during my first book signing and was reduced to a babbling idiot. I think I actually screamed “ohmygod! You’re Hannah Howell!” directly in her face. She just smiled, nodded and asked me to sign my book for her. When it comes to my writing career, was the single best moment to date – other than actually getting contracted!

7).  When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

Probably around when I started writing at ten. Creating worlds and characters just always made me happy. It was also something that came pretty natural for me, so in that, I know I was very lucky.

8).  How long does it take you to write a book?

It used to take me no more than three months. Now, with Lyrical Press demanding most of my attention, it takes me much, much longer. I will probably take me about a year to finish Blood Covenant.

9).  What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

Well, it’s pretty much fit it writing when I can at this point. I’m sure by next year things should settle into a more regulated schedule of writing and working the publishing house.

10).  Do you have any strange handwriting habits, like capitalizing all your “r”s or dotting your “I”s with heart (or anything like that)?
I used to make an insanely fancy capital “I” until my mother pointed out it was illegible. Now, I really don’t have any strange habits other than having the most horrendous handwriting in creation. I don’t know if it’s from growing accustomed to using a keyboard all the time or because I have a slight muscular issue with my right arm. Whatever the case, I now scrawl rather than write in anything remotely decent.
11).  What do you want to know about the future?
Without hesitation, what my daughter will grow up to be and if she will be happy doing it. Next would be where we’ll be living in five years because my husband and I want to relocate out of New York.
12).  Are you a morning person or a night person?
I used to be a night person until my daughter was born. Now, I’m forced to be a morning person. I wake up almost every day at 6am, and am already working by 6:15.
13).  Do you like thunderstorms?
When I’m inside, yes. That’s perfect “snuggle” weather. Getting caught out in one? Not so much.
14).  What is the best way for readers to contact you?  Email, myspace, twitter, etc?
At my Lyrical email address :  publisher@lyricalpress.com.
15).  Anything you would like to add?
Only that I’m thrilled you’ve allowed me this opportunity to talk with you. It was a genuine pleasure. Thank you!

Today We Greet Author Olivia Starke

1).  Tell us your latest news?

 I am thrilled that my first release Mind Games is out at Cobblestone Press! It’s a paranormal Tryst (short story.)

www.cobblestone-press.com/catalog/books/mindgames.htm

2).  When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve been writing since I could lift a crayon. I was very artistic in my toddler stage. Lucky for me we had a white house and I drew murals and what letters of the alphabet I could pen along the side of the house one day. I also did so on whatever wall surface I could, my folks (try as they might) couldn’t inhibit my creative spirit!

About a year ago I decided to leave the world of real estate behind (I was a realtor) and pick up my laptop to give writing a shot. Originally it was to rewrite a children’s book I wrote in 7^th grade involving a love story between a unicorn and Pegasus. I ran across an online class given by Lori Wilde about how to write romance. I’ve been a closet romance reader for years and love happily ever after endings. The class was great and I got the bug J and I’ve come out of the reading closet as well.

3).  What books have most influenced your life most?

I can’t think of a particular one. I absolutely love the classics such as War and Peace and my favorite book is The Jungle by Upton Sinclair. The characters are living and breathing on the pages and I wish to become even a quarter of the writers they were.

4).  What are your current projects?

I’m working on a series of vampire short stories.

5).  Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Trying to get friends and family to understand IT’S A CAREER. I don’t sit around all day watching television! I spend about three hours as soon as I get up working on promoting my story and myself as an author. I fit in my other obligations for the day such as walking my four dogs, taking my disabled mother on her errands, caring for my 4 horses, etc. In the evenings I write. I have friends and family with 9-5 jobs who think I can pick up errands for them they don’t have time for, which I simply can’t do. It’s frustrating at times trying to set boundaries.

6). Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

The Jungle by Upton Sinclair and Heather Grahams works J She has a great knack of mixing mystery and romance.

7).  Do you have any strange handwriting habits, like capitalizing all your “r”s or dotting your “I”s with heart (or anything like that)?
8).  What do you want to know about the future?
How successful I’ll be! But I guess you’re as successful as you decide to be.
9).  Are you a morning person or a night person?
Night person all the way, it’s the only time my brain functions to write. My creativity simple won’t flow in the mornings.
10).  Do you like thunderstorms?
Happy little thunderstorms, yes. Tornadoes NO! I live in southern Missouri which is part of tornado ally, and it puts a damper on the thrill of spring and early summer.
11).  What is the best way for readers to contact you?  Email, myspace, twitter, etc?
I’d love to hear from readers and other authors !
www.oliviastarke.webs.com  www.twitter.com/romancingthepen romancingthepentoday.blogspot.com  oliviastarke@ymail.com I’m on Facebook as well look for Olivia Starke !
12).  Anything you would like to add?
Anyone who has ever wanted to give writing a shot I encourage them to do so! There are so many opportunities out there now with e-publishers for writer’s just starting out. Also, I believe the world needs more Happily-Ever-After and romance always offers that J

Today's Special Guest is Barbara Edwards

1)     First, could you start by telling us about your current release?

Ancient Awakening is a paranormal romance. In Ancient Awakening, Police Officer ‘Mel’ Petersen investigates a death only she believes is murder. By disobeying direct orders from the Rhodes End Chief, she risks her career to follow clues that twist in circles to her backyard and lead the killer to her.

Her neighbor Stephen Zoriak is a prime suspect. Steve worked for a major pharmaceutical company where he discovered a weapon so dangerous he destroys the research. He is exposed to the dangerous organism. He suspects he is the killer and agrees to help her find the truth.

In the course of their investigation Mel and Steve find the real killer and a love that defies death.

2) Could you please tell us a little about yourself? I’m a native New Englander with a love for history, antique roses and travel. This past summer we visited Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Canyon, a trip I’ve dreamed about for a long time. My husband, a retired police sergeant, and I are restoring a Gothic Victorian built in 1872. Please don’t picture a mansion: its two bedrooms with a wonderful wraparound porch decorated with gingerbread.

3) Give us a sneak peak into your current release.

 Excerpt from Ancient Awakening:

“Don’t touch me, Mel, not unless you’re willing to do a lot more,” he warned as her hazel eyes flared golden.

“Don’t threaten me, Steve. You’re…”

He pulled her into his arms despite the alarm bells clanging in his head.

Danger! Danger! Danger!

Her widened eyes met his. Mel’s hands were trapped against his chest, but she didn’t push him away. Instead, her fingers curled into his shirt.

Her mistake. His mistake was to crush her mouth under his.

Mel’s soft lips parted. Need exploded. The taste of black coffee didn’t hide her sweet flavor. As her tongue tangled with his, her arms slid around his neck and her fingers burrowed through his hair.

Steve hungered to peel the starched shirt off her soft shoulders, lay her on the thick turf and ease his desire. He tasted her brows, her cheek, along her throat, seeking the source of her call. Her pulse whipped under his mouth, awakening another need.

His teeth gently closed on the vulnerable vein.

He wanted, wanted, wanted…

Cold alarm chilled his pounding blood.

Steve gasped for air. He’d forgotten his own ironclad rule. Mel’s eyelids flittered open to reveal the molten glow of desire but he forced himself free.

He had no right to touch any woman. Not until he knew he hadn’t become what he had set out to destroy.

4) Tell us about your writing process.  Do you outline or just start writing?

Like many writers I write without an outline. I do know the beginning and the end before I start. It’s how my mind works. I dream about the story and when I wake, immediately record the details. I have a file with all my proposed projects and a second folder full of research material for each one. Since Ancient Awakening is the first book in Finding Rhosdes End series, I also keep a detail bible. 

5) What genre is your favorite to write?  Read? As you can tell by my website, I’ve written historical romance and romantic suspense before paranormal romance, but I think I’ve found my niche. I love creating all the haunting details and dark secrets. I read almost everything when I have time.

6) Favorite authors? I love Jayne Anne Krentz, JD Robb, Linda Howard, Anne Stuart, Elizabeth Lowell, I don’t hink this is long enough to list them all.

7) Is there a genre you haven't written, but would love to tackle in the future?

 Not any more. I really like what I’m doing with this series. I might go back and write more historical romance if an idea really grabs me.

8) What's planned next for your writing career? I’m working on the second book in the Finding Rhodes End series, although that makes it sound too simple. I also have the third and fourth in the works. All are set in New England, all centered in Rhodes End.

9) Do you work well with deadlines?  Or do they stall your writing process?

I love deadlines since I tend to fritter time away if I’m not under pressure. They keep me sharp and focused.

10) When did you first start writing? I don’t remember. I had a diary when I was young, wrote lots of stuff I later threw away as worthless, then tried poetry, essays, and finally books. I still have my poetry. Every once in awhile I think about posting it to my blog.

http://barbaraedwards.net/blog/blog.asp

11) What influenced you to submit your work for publication?

I always wanted to tell my stories to people. The only way to do that is to publish. When I joined RWA, I thought I’d get published within a few months. I realized I didn’t know enough and set out to learn. You need to be tenacious to finish a book that someone else will take a chance on.

12) What gets you in the writing mood?  Music, reading, etc.

Nothing. I either am or not. Despite that, I write every day. It’s too easy to say I don’t have it today. Then time passes and nothing gets written. Some of my most productive days are when I didn’t ‘feel’ like writing.

13) Do you belong to a critique group?  If so, how has this helped your writing, would you recommend it to others?  If not, would you consider joining, if not, why do you like to work alone?

I had a critique group when I lived in Florida (Connie and Tina, I love you both) but haven’t found anyone to replace them since I moved back to New England. I think Its really important to find the right kind of critique group. Without them, I wouldn’t have finished that first book I published.

14) What is the best way for readers to contact you?

My website www.barbaraedwards.net or my blog http://barbaraedwards.net/blog/blog.asp

15) Any advice you want to give aspiring writers?

The only way to become published is to write. Find what works for you, write what you love and don’t give up.

I have a personal story about quitting. Several years ago, I went through a very dry spell: nothing worked, I didn’t sell, I had personal problems, all in all a discouraging time. I decided I couldn’t do this any more. That day I was puzzled when I received a rejection letter. I looked at the return address and couldn’t remember sending out a submission. To my surprise it was something I’d submitted TWO years before. I started to laugh and realized it didn’t make any difference who bought my work. I can’t quit. I am a writer, its who I am as well as what I do.

Saturday's Author is Dena Celeste

1).  Tell us your latest news?

My latest news is that my book Her Master’s Gift was just released by Noble Romance Publishing! I’m very excited because this is my very first published book, and it’s been a beautiful experience.

2).  When and why did you begin writing?

Oh, I’ve been writing ever since I was a wee little thing. Mostly essays and poetry, though I did write quite a bit of fanfiction as a teenager. Then I decided to branch out into original fiction, and I’ve been doing that for the last 6 years, give or take.

3).  What books have most influenced your life?

Hm. Well, Secret Submissive by Diane Hunter really got me connected with the BDSM Lifestyle and how it’s expressed first. It was my first book on that subject matter, and there was an instant connection.  

Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey is the first gift my boyfriend ever gave me, and a lot of the philosophy and even religious overtones (a mix between Judaism, Christianity and Paganism) is something that resonates with me.

Natural Law by Joey W. Hill is the first book I ever read with a female dominant and a male submissive that held my attention and my emotions. She writes so beautifully that I was determined to write in a way that was relatable emotionally.

Those books set me on the path I’m on now, in my writing and my life. It helps to have such awesome authors to look up to!

4).  What are your current projects?

The one I’m working on right this minute is a holiday sweet for a submission call Noble Romance has out. Then I have another BDSM story that I’m revising for another publisher, and a paranormal erotic romance that I work on whenever I get the chance. It’s a very fascinating story, and I can’t wait to see where it goes!

5).  Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

There’s the time factor, of course. I find that mostly I write at night, after I make sure everyone else is settled in. My mind is also more open at night.

But as far as challenges…I don’t get a lot of ideas, one right after the other. So when I do, I’m so glad, but then the process of fleshing out what I see in my head is also challenging.

I want to branch out in my writing, in the genres I write in as well as in genres I haven’t tried before! Every so often the words will flow right out of me, but mostly I have to pull it out with the proverbial wrench.

6). Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Oh no, I have to pick one? That’s hard! It depends on what mood I’m in and what genre I feel puckish for.

At the moment, I would have to say Jacqueline Carey. Her stories are so intricate and lovely, and yet each one is so unique…I would love to be able to write like that! As it is, she’s a pleasure to read and I get very involved with her characters. Especially in her Kushiel’s Legacy series, though I was pleasantly surprised by her new book Santa Olivia.

7).  When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

From the moment I could write, I would write something, anything. Cards, stories, essays, poetry. I just love to write. It’s not always easy, but I find it much easier to express myself through the written word than any other way. I also like to explore my own thoughts and philosophies that way. My books are ways for me to explain how I see, feel, and experience certain things.

Writing has always helped me to understand myself and how I have grown and changed. It’s a mental and emotional journey with each story, whether it’s sweet and tender, or hot and heavy with bondage included. Exploring pain, pleasure and psychology are also interests of mine. The way people interact, why people do what they do…well. It’s fascinating!

8).  How long does it take you to write a book?

Oh, that depends entirely! If my muse is cooperating, if I have a deadline, if it’s a short or long story, how complicated the plot and/or characters are. And if my mood will let me finish!

My first completed story I finished in about 3 months. My second, I had started 3 years previously, abandoned it for awhile and then finished in a couple of months. The story that was released from Noble Romance took me about a month to finish. But I’ve been working on some of my current projects for almost a year now!

9).  What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

I am a caregiver, full-time, so my day is pretty full quite often. I have to take care of my responsibilities before I take time for myself. Usually I will write at night, like I mentioned before. Or I’ll write if I get a day that’s less stressful and hectic!

And when I’m in college (I’m working on a Bachelor’s degree in the Spring), I usually go full-time there as well. So I’ll write in between classes, or after I get any homework done. It’s a lot of work, but I would write no matter what else I did.

10).  Do you have any strange handwriting habits, like capitalizing all your “r”s or dotting your “I”s with heart (or anything like that)?
I don’t think so. And I don’t write longhand unless I’m researching or outlining away from my computer. I have a very…odd style of outlining. It’s a mix of freewriting and making powerpoint cards by hand, LOL. I use bullet points, and try to organize what I can if my story is very complicated. But if it’s a simple story, I won’t go as crazy.
11).  What do you want to know about the future?
I want to know that everything will be okay. I know that there are no guarantees in life though, and it’s what I make of it. I just want…to be happy. 
12).  Are you a morning person or a night person?
I’m a night owl! Apparently, I’ve been this way since before I was born (my mother still tells me how I kept her up all hours of the night), but the night time is…dark. That helps! The sun hurts my eyes, so I’m not very fond of the daytime. It’s also a very peaceful, quiet time for me, and the time when I can communicate best.
13).  Do you like thunderstorms?
That depends! I’m afraid of loud, surprising noises, so the kind of thunder that sounds like a baseball bat hitting one out of the park…scares the crap out of me. But if it’s just the sound of rain and gentle thunder, I love it!
14).  What is the best way for readers to contact you?  Email, myspace, twitter, etc?
They can reach me by the contact form on my website, but also please feel free to connect with me on Facebook and Twitter ! I check my inbox and my FB and Twitter feeds every day, and I love hearing from people and making new friends!
http://www.denaceleste.com
http://www.twitter.com/denaceleste
http://www.facebook.com/denaceleste
http://www.myspace.com/denaceleste
15).  Anything you would like to add?
Just that I hope people like my book, and keep on reading!

Today we are pleased to welcome J. Hali Steele

Mistress Bella, I’d like to thank you for taking time to talk with me.

1) First, could you start by telling us what you are currently working on for publication and/or about your current release?

On October 16^th, A Panther’s Flight will be available from Eirelander Publishing and I can’t wait for readers to get to know Leron and Edy. Writing their story was a joy. I have a few things in the works that will be premiering soon. One story is about amateur ballroom dancing and I’m working on a series about erotic angels of which the first book released on October 9th. It will probably cause a bit of a stir. The cover art done by Les Byerly at Ellora’s Cave may get me booted from Facebook, MySpace, heck – everywhere but my own website where it holds center stage right now…*laughing* Oh, go ahead – take a peek: www.angelsinlove.net

2) Could you please tell us a little about yourself?

Well, I live in SE Pennsylvania which is far too cold for me. I want to move back to southern California where they have basically one season – HOT! Southwest Arizona might work also, as long as I’m warm all the time. I have a son and 4 cats and I’ve spoiled them all. My son’s 36 and would laugh at that. I used to do quarter mile drag racing and I still enjoy going to watch my son and his dad race on the weekends. I’m waiting for one of them to put my butt back in the driver’s seat.

As a child, I wanted to be a veterinarian. Readers should be able to tell from my stories that cats are like little angels to me and I think they make the best pets. I enjoy watching them grow and play. In my neighborhood, I’m the one who does the rescuing. I nearly always have what I call “porch kitties”, and they live well until I find them a loving home. All animals have always held a special place in my heart and I’m a supporter of my local SPCA. Spay and neuter!

3) Give us a sneak peak into your current release

Leron, the hero of A Panther’s Flight, is Sovereign Kind, which is the warrior class of the Kind species of big cats infected with vampyre blood. He’s a panther who’s afraid he may take too much blood and become a feared transgressor. Those are the cats that turn violent and deadly, draining their prey of blood, then gorging on the flesh. This happened to someone close to him. Now that he’s met his mate, Edy, who’s close to her first change to panther, he fears this addiction will overcome him. Stranded together in the desert, they have to battle nature and a really bad secret he’s kept from her that may destroy their budding relationship. Hey not sure you can use it but I’ve done a video for the book, it’s here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux9jEeNlgIY

4) Tell us about your writing process. Do you outline or just start writing?

I start with an outline that I usually end up using as the synopsis. It hits all the points of the story and I start writing from there. I’m pretty much a panster, and once I began the story my characters have a way of taking over. Sometimes I can stop them, but they’re wily creatures and have backed me into a corner on many occasions. *grins*

5) What genre is your favorite to write?  Read? 

Definitely paranormal, and preferably erotic. I enjoy the twists and turns that take place when dealing with the paranormal genre. You can practically take it anywhere. I like to push the limits of the worlds I create. I also enjoy a good dose of humor laced in as well. And, of course, there’s the sex. Exploring that side of any relationship is a bonus for me because I like watching how my characters deal with each other emotionally once they’ve already been together physically.

6) Favorite authors?

That would be Kerrelyn Sparks and Lynsay Sands. Both have a way of making their characters come to life. I laugh from beginning to end with their books. There characters are sexy, charming, and funny; still, they can be deadly as hell. I like how they’ve both have changed the landscape for the ‘undead’. When I start one of their stories I know I’m not going to get a darn thing done until I reach the last word on the last page.

7) Is there a genre you haven't written, but would love to tackle in the future?

No. I write erotica in the three genres that are the most exciting to me and don’t see that changing. I’ve written paranormal, contemporary and I’ve done a ménage, which I’d like to do more of. I can’t foresee that I’d write in any of the other genres. I’m not a Sci-Fi fan and the same goes with Historical and BDSM. Even when they have paranormal elements, they just don’t excite the part of my brain that says “write me”. I do love a good suspense but I don’t have what it takes to tackle that genre.

8) What's planned next for your writing career?

I know most people are aiming for New York – I’m not. I’m perfectly happy writing for epubs and I’ve been very lucky to be with 3 good publishers. My editors have all been fantastic and each has taught me so much. Down the road, if I change my mind and decide to try for NY – my editors have prepared me.

9) Do you work well with deadlines?  Or do they stall your writing process?

I had an editor ask me for a follow up story in June that they wanted to release in August and I got it done. I guess I don’t sweat deadlines. *laughing* None have had to send an email asking where are my edits or rewrites – at least not yet! No, deadlines don’t bother me.

10) What influenced you to submit your work for publication?

My awesome sisters! I tell everyone they are my heroines and each, in fact, appears in my works. Don’t tell them that LOL. No, they’re fine with it, even begged to have their names somewhere in a story. They’ve read everything I write and always told me to try for publication and finally – I listened. I have to thank them for pushing me and for supporting me 100%.

11) What gets you in the writing mood?  Music, reading, etc.

Music can do it every time. I listen to Soundscapes – I know, weird – but I like the sounds of nature and instruments and prefer there be no words, which are very distracting to me. I am a big fan, however, of the ladies who sing blues when I’m relaxing. Nina Simone and Sarah Vaughan are my favs. Whenever I write sex scenes, I pull out the tango CDs. There’s just something about the rhythmic Latin sound that moves me.

12) What is the best way for readers to contact you?

I have a website: www.jhalisteele.com I blog every Friday at www.paranormalromantics.blogspot.com and I blog the 6^th of each month at www.trampyvamps.blogspot.com. I also have a Yahoo Group that I’d love readers to join and they’re welcome to participate in my writing madness- it’s http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jhalisteele and I do Facebook at www.facebook.com/purpleprose as well as Twitter with the name sovereignkind.

I’ve really had a good time and thanks again for having me.

 Thanks for joining us today!